Fall River police looking for Price-Rite purse snatcher

On Saturday and Sunday of last weekend, women shopping at Price-Rite, 866 Pleasant St., reported the theft of their purses.

Kevin P. O’Connor

The woman was good at her work, police admit.

On Saturday and Sunday of last weekend, women shopping at Price-Rite, 866 Pleasant St., reported the theft of their purses.

In each case, the women told Officer William Lynch, they turned their backs for a moment. When they went back to their carriages, their purses were gone, police said.

A 61-year-old woman reported losing her purse and cash on July 14. A 15-year-old woman reported losing her purse, cash, medication and a cellphone on Sunday.

Detective Jared Mooney joined the case.

“They went to the store after the theft,” said Detective J.D. Costa, a department spokesman. “They watched surveillance video until the saw the woman approach a cart.

“In each case, when the victim’s back was turned, the suspect grabbed the purse and walked away.” In each case, the suspect had the purse and made her getaway within seconds.

Once police saw that, they were able to isolate a picture of the culprit.

Police released that picture on Friday, asking the public for help finding the woman responsible for the thefts.

She is described as a heavyset middle-age woman with shoulder-length dark hair.

No one was injured in any of the thefts, police reported. The woman is wanted for larceny.

Larceny is charged when a person steals property from another. Robbery is charged when a person uses force or the threat of force to steal property from another.

Anyone with information about the woman is asked to call Detective Jared Mooney in the Major Crimes Division at 508-324-2796. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the department TIPS line at 508-672-8477.